7 Uncommon Uses for Shaving Cream

Shaving cream is a household essential, but probably not in the way you’re thinking. Yes, this toiletry is great for it’s given name (you guessed it – shaving) but it also has some little-known uses. Here are a few clever ways to use that inexpensive bottle of shaving cream around the house.

1. Spot Cleaner

Stephanie Spitzer

Have a pesky crayon stain to deal with? Just try this trick from Frugal Village reader Jessica:

I use shaving cream – the creamy kind that I can get at the dollar store – on light-colored carpets. Squirt a little shaving cream on the spot and dab/blot it with a damp rag. Wait until it dries, then vacuum the spot. You may have to treat it two or three times, but it works. I got soaked-in, dried-out red soda out of white carpet and coffee out of beige carpet.

2. Appliances and Bathrooms

If you want to keep your bathroom mirror fog-free, just put shaving cream on it and wipe it clean with a cloth. You can apply the same concept to vinyl floors, sinks, tubs, faucets and other mirrors. The shaving cream will get the grime out of handles and appliances. Just let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping clean.

3. Sunburn Relief

kosmos111 via Dollar Photo Club

For minor sunburns with no blisters, you can use shaving cream for a bit of relief from the pain. Try this suggestion from Frugal Village reader Jen:

I use shaving cream foam on sunburns. Yes, it is a little messy and funny-looking. I apply it to the burn as if I was going to shave that area, then I let it sit. I leave it on until it has soaked in, then I wipe it off using cool water. Don’t ask me how, but it pulls the heat out and prevents blistering. I have used this several times on myself and my daughter, as we burn easily.

4. DIY Paint

Combine non-gel shaving cream with a couple of drops of food coloring. Let your children use construction paper, a sliding glass door, a section of foil or a cookie sheet, or they can just sit in the tub for finger-foam fun. It’s easy to clean: Simply rinse with water. Make puffy paint by mixing equal parts glue and shaving cream. Add a couple of drops of food coloring or tempera paint for color. Use a paintbrush and paint onto construction paper.

5. Clean Hands

mblach via Deposit Photos

When you’re really roughing it in the wilderness, finding a place to really wash your hands is easier said than done. Next time, bring a can of shaving cream to clean your hands when you go camping. Another reader, P.J. from New York, adds:

This is especially good on your hands when they are covered with tree sap. It works amazingly well on fresh clothes stains, sticky messes, and yucky showers.

6. Party Fun

If you loved the idea of shaving cream paint for the kids, then you’re going to love this other party hack. Let kids put shaving cream (or hair gel or mousse) in their hair and create funny hairstyles. Another fun thing to do is to play a messy little game!One kid piles shaving cream on his head. The other stands behind a line and tries to throw Cheerios into the shaving cream. The team that gets the most Cheerios stuck in the shaving cream wins. Obviously, this is an outdoor game. Afterward, the kids can clean up with a water balloon fight.

One kid piles shaving cream on his head. The other stands behind a line and tries to throw Cheerios into the shaving cream. The team that gets the most Cheerios stuck in the shaving cream wins. Obviously, this is an outdoor game. Afterward, the kids can clean up with a water balloon fight.

So fun!

7. School Desk Cleaner

It’s quick and easy to place a small dollop of shaving cream on students’ desks with a paper towel to wipe it off. Lower elementary-age kids can practice writing sight words before wiping it away.

Do you use shaving cream in a fun, unconventional way? Make sure to share your favorites with us.